Rabbit model of a biofilm-contaminated, percutaneous orthopaedic endoprosthesis

Preclinical models of osseointegrated orthopaedic implants tend to focus on implant stability, surface modifications to enhance integration with host tissue, and reduction in iatrogenic contamination through antibiotic-eluting/bacteria-resistant coatings. While these studies are imperative to early success in osseointegration, continued success of percutaneous devices throughout the lifespan of the patient is also critically important. A perpetual challenge to the implant is formation of bacterial biofilm on the abutment. Once adhered, biofilm-based bacteria are recalcitrant and readily contaminate the subcutaneous soft tissue of the stoma. To this end, the rabbit model reported herein replicates the clinical scenario of a patient with a biofilm-contaminated abutment. This model enables preclinical testing of advanced therapeutics beyond the traditional antibiotic-based approach, potentially increasing the longevity of the device.